UNDP head Ulrika Modéer new honorary doctorate at the University of Gothenburg

News:
May 17, 2019

UNDP head and assistant general secretary at UN, Ulrika Modéer, will be the new honorary doctorate at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Gothenburg, the Faculty Board decided yesterday. The new honorary doctor is also a former student at the faculty.

Ulrika Modéer is currently assistant general secretary and head of the department for external relations and advocacy work within the UN Development Program, UNDP. This makes her the highest-ranking Swede currently in the UN system. One of her tasks is to push for the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals to become reality by 2030.

The honorary doctor has a long experience of international development cooperation, including assignments for Diakonia in Latin America. During the last parliamentary mandate period, she was State Secretary for Isabella Lövin, then Minister for International Development Cooperation. From the University of Gothenburg she has a bachelor's degree in international relations.

In its justification, the Faculty Board says that: “Ulrika Modéer has an international career that offers great opportunities to contribute to achieving the goals of the global sustainability agenda. Mrs Modéer have a strong connection to the University of Gothenburg. Her unique knowledge of the UN system, on sustainability issues and on international development cooperation can contribute to developing students' knowledge and abilities, as well as illustrating opportunities for international working life and a professional activity on global sustainability issues ”.